In 2018, Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM) became one of the first two Native women ever elected to Congress. Deb has been a fierce advocate and organizer in Indian Country for decades. Now she could make history again — this time as the first Native person ever to lead the Department of the Interior.
There has never been a Native member of a U.S. President’s cabinet. The federal government has a unique relationship with and trust responsibility to Native peoples. The Secretary of the Interior should have a deep understanding of the treaty rights of Native Nations. That is why this cabinet position is so important to Indian Country.
Over the last four years, we have seen the danger of having a Secretary of Interior who disregards the Federal government's trust responsibilities to Native people. Under Trump, the Department of the Interior advocated for the dissolution of a reservation for the first time since the termination era. They rolled back environmental protections. They failed to consult with tribal governments during the greatest public health crisis in a century. Deb Haaland would turn such actions around.
Over 120 Indigenous Tribal leaders have called on the Biden Administration to appoint Haaland to the post. A growing list of public officials too. Will you add your name to the list? Your endorsement will help send a message to the incoming Biden Administration that it’s time for Native leadership in the Department of the Interior.
As chair of the Congressional Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands, Rep. Haaland has been a champion for our environment. She is a leader in the fight against climate change. She helped pass legislation to protect Chaco Canyon and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from oil and gas drilling.
Native Organizer’s Alliance along with the Women’s March and Illuminative strongly recommend Deb Haaland to be the Secretary of the Department of the Interior. We have the highest regard for her integrity and her work. There is no one more qualified and prepared to lead the Department of the Interior during a crisis that has disproportionately harmed Native communities.
Take a moment right now to add your name to this important grassroots endorsement. Let's help Deb make history.
Go to this link to endorse Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM) to head the Department of the Interior.
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/we-endorse-deb-haaland-to-be-secretary-of-the-interior
Posted: S. Ellen Sinclair